SPRINGFIELD - Ana Cruz, whose body was found early Sunday in her burning Bay Street home, died from numerous stab wounds and smoke inhalation, investigators said.

Springfield police released the 38-year-old woman's cause of death Wednesday morning following her autopsy on Tuesday.

Sgt. John M. Delaney, aide to Police Commissioner William J. Fitchet, said the Springfield Arson and Bomb Squad determined that the fire at 681 Bay St. was set in an attempt to cover up the crime of murder.

Cruz, mother of four and grandmother to four, suffered numerous stab wounds to her torso and arms, Delaney said.

Springfield police continue to work the case and an arrest has not yet been made, Delaney said.

Family members described Cruz as a hard-working, generous and a loving mother.

When Springfield police and firefighters responded to 681 Bay State, shortly after 12:30 p.m., the home was engulfed in flames.

Cruz was found on the floor inside the home just outside a bedroom. She was taken to Baystate Medical Center where she was pronounced dead shortly before 1:20 a.m.

Police determined the crime was a homicide later that morning when Sgt. Mark Rolland of the department's crime scene unit examined the body and discovered the stab wounds on her chest, back and arms.

At that point the case was turned over to the department's homicide detectives under the direction of Capt. Charles A. Arpin, Delaney said.

Cruz's home was labeled a crime scene and detectives worked the scene around the clock until Tuesday afternoon when the home was turned back over the Cruz's family, Delaney said.